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Election Integrity

Free and fair elections are a foundational component of political freedom. There is more to democracy than free and fair elections, but there can be no democracy without them. Constant vigilance is required to protect this foundational component of political freedom from the threats arrayed against it, which range from old-fashioned fraud on election day to media manipulation and regulatory obstacles during the campaign period. 

There is more to democracy than free and fair elections, but there can be no democracy without them. Constant vigilance is required to protect this foundational component of political freedom from the threats arrayed against it, which range from old-fashioned fraud on election day to media manipulation and regulatory obstacles during the campaign period. Freedom House works with local groups to promote voter participation, particularly by youth, and to monitor elections.

Freedom House - Election Watch for the Digital Age

NEW: Election Watch for the Digital Age

Freedom House is piloting a new research initiative to investigate the interplay between digital platforms and election integrity. Election Watch for the Digital Age equips technology companies, civil society organizations, and policymakers with a data-driven resource for evaluating the human rights impact of internet platforms on a country’s electoral process. 

Learn More
Shortly before the decisive vote on the reform of copyright in the EU Parliament, thousands in Europe protested against the project. Opponents of the reform and especially of the controversial Article 13 had announced demonstrations in about 20 countries.  Stuttgart, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany. 23 March 2019. Editorial Credit: Sebastian Gollnow/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Digital Election Interference

Shaping the flow of information on the internet is now an essential strategy of those seeking to disrupt the democratic transfer of power through elections. Major authoritarian powers like Russia and China have been implicated in cyberattacks and information warfare linked to elections in democratic states. To learn more, read the Freedom on the Net 2019 essay on Digital Election Interference. 

Learn More

News & Perspectives:

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Philippines: Marcos Administration Must Demonstrate Commitment to Voters, Enact Prodemocracy Reforms

Press release

May 10, 2022

Hungary Prime Minister Viktor Orban

Hungary’s Inflection Election

Perspectives

March 30, 2022

Relatives of government opponents who remain detained in different prisons hold signs with their portraits and names during a protest in Caracas in December 2020. (Image Credit: Yuri CORTEZ / AFP via Getty Images)

New Freedom House Report Reveals Dire Conditions for Human Rights Defenders and Democracy Activists in Latin America

Press release

February 3, 2022

Nicaragua: Ortega Regime Should Hold Free and Fair Elections and Reopen Civic Space for All

Press release

November 8, 2021
Ethernet Cable Against Russian Flag

Russian Elections Will Put the Kremlin’s Internet Controls to the Test

Perspectives

September 14, 2021
President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia

Zambia: President-elect Must Reverse Predecessor’s Democratic Backslide, Protect Freedom of Expression, and Refrain from State-Sanctioned Violence

Press release

August 18, 2021

Freedom House in the Media:

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In Lebanon, Elections Bring Cautious Hope – and an Uphill Battle for Reforms opens in new tab

May 12, 2022

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Opinion The biggest win for liberal democracy this week wasn’t France’s election opens in new tab

April 25, 2022

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Opinion The biggest win for liberal democracy this week wasn’t France’s election opens in new tab

April 25, 2022

Featured Experts

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Adrian Shahbaz

Vice President, Research and Analysis

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Cathryn Grothe

Cathryn Grothe

Research Analyst, Middle East & North Africa (MENA)

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Philip Friedrich

Senior Research Analyst for Technology and Elections

@PhilFriedrich

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